Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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In this session we are meeting a representative group of former members of An Garda Síochána who wish to address the joint committee on the denial of Garda pension entitlements. They left the service before 1 October 1976, having had the required five years of service. Owing to the fact that an agreement was reached without their knowledge and without consultation with them, they are now denied pension payments. I welcome each of our three guests - Mr. Anthony Morris, Mr. Oliver Shanley who I believe will act as spokesperson initially and make the presentation and Mr. Pat Hynes. I thank them for their attendance.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. If, however, they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members are aware of the rules on privilege that apply to them. I invite Mr. Shanley to make his opening statement.